Inspiring friends, chairs & markets!

Hello friends.  How are you? Can you believe it's the last day of Winter! Hooray!!
Beautiful day to finish it.
I was graced with the presence of my ole 'Visual Arts' buddy Nina this past weekend. Some time can pass between seeing each other but we're lucky to have one of those friendships that feels like we saw each other only yesterday. When we get together there is always endless chats about arts & crafts and exchanging of ideas from blogs, music & and sillyness. What was meant to be a relaxing crafty weekend for Nina & I, turned into more Elkhorn-esk market, design critic, chair restoration weekend! Nina gave me a fresh perspective on some new designs I've been working on and renewed inspiration for the week. Here's a few snippets from our weekend...

Do you remember the chairs I found on the curb side a few months ago? I have used them a few times now at the Elkhorn stall to display our cushions. I repainted them a off-white/taupey colour when I first found them and then sanded them back slightly. I have revisited them again over the last couple of weeks and decided to sand them again... never sure how far I should go. I started to discover a beautiful under coats of sea green & blue peeking through. Nina reminded me of the quirky chairs I blogged about by Leslie Oschmann and suggested we take it a bit further and the she got to the task of sanding. Turns out each chair has completely different undertones. Sanding is actually very addictive and it's really hard to know when to stop! I took to the sander again today on the bottom left chair. I thought I could possibly sand the seat right back to original wood, leaving only scratches of paint as I don't love the indian red undertones as much as the other chairs... What do you think? Nina I need you back!

Have you seen the beautifully artistic Video clip to Gotye's new song. Nina shared this with me.
Totally addicted and have been listening to the album all week!

Nina did great bringing customers into our Elkhorn Stall at Avoca Beachside Markets on Sunday while entertaining me! It was a relief to have her there as it wasn't the busiest day which can be hard work when you flying solo. I was really happy with how the stall looked, Nino helped me make it look very pretty with sweet touches of hanging flowers and her wonderful presence!

Thanks to my wonderful friend Nina x

Avoca Beachside Markets take three

I hope everyones having a wonderful Easter. It's been pretty nice having a five day weekend. Although I didn't really have time-off from Elkhorn, I have managed to have a couple of relaxing walks on the beach and time soaking up the sun when it graces us with it's presence. Every second day has been raining! We had unfortunate weather for the Avoca Beachside Markets on Saturday, the rain pretty much settled in from the time we set up till just before we finished. A few people braved the weather and came down and said hi which was encouraging. Dad helped me out for the day, going on coffee runs and held back the crowds manned the stall while I got the chance to say hi and check out artist Aleida's stall.
Aleida Pullar makes the most beautiful ceramics and washed paintings, inspired by the sea & coastal living. Her stall was set up so beautifully. It draws you in with it's tactile appeal & wonderful washed blue fish painted on tea towels along with dotted vases, planters, bowls and intriguing hanging driftwood sculptures and so much more. After totally confusing myself and picking up every item, I came away with a gorgeous gift for Mothers day. I love the fact that Aleida is a local and I hope to visit her studio at some point after having a sneak peek on her website. But for now it's just great to have her at the markets!

 a glimpse of blue sky while the rain clouds move over the ocean

ready and waiting

 Aleida's beautiful stall

this puppy looked how I felt 

We can't make it to the next couple of Avoca Beachside Markets as we have the Finders Keepers in Sydney 20-21st of May but we hope to be back July/August. If you happen to be in Avoca on the fourth Saturday of the month make sure you pop by and visit as it is worth the visit. Brad and Bianca(organisers of Avoca Beachside Markets) are working incredibly hard to create a really special market. Not only is it a much needed place for local designers and artists to sell their work but provides the community with a chance to shop local, get to know the makers and spend time together in such a beautiful location. Now, if only they could have the weather gods on their side! Fingers crossed it's not raining!

Pics from a chilled Sunday at Avoca Beachside Markets

I am glad Elkhorn finally got a chance to be at the Avoca Beachside Markets. We haven't experienced an outdoor market before so it was a nice change to be out in the open, not to mention the beautiful location. There were a few spots of rain but we managed. I loved the sweet touches throughout the markets, with spots to sit & chill as well as relaxing rugs in front of the Lizotes live music tent. Thanks to all who came down & made it such a great day. We hope to make it to the March market, the date will be changing to every forth Saturday instead of Sunday. Will keep you updated.

 

Finishing touches

Are you coming to the Avoca Beachside Markets this Sunday? I hope so. Here's a sneak peek of some new Elkhorn tops & scarves we will have on the day. We recently sourced some beautiful soft ginger coloured cotton along with shades of taupe & a sheer, bright tangerine.  They all feel gorgeous on the skin & easy to wear. Oh and I can't forget the new Whimsy Thing Necklaces, which are pretty sweet. See you Sunday!

Elkhorn's Central Coast Favourites - Avoca

I have been meaning to take you to a few of my favourite spots on the NSW, Central Coast.  It is a truly laid back & untouched, diverse place, where so much inspiration is drawn on, for Elkhorn. I didn't grow up here but it has always felt like home, having spent my whole childhood holidays at my grandparents house. So it holds a special place in my heart, which I would love to share with you.
Let me know what you think and feel free to contribute/comment on any places I missed or may of never discovered. I hope to get one posting out each week in no particular order.

AVOCA  - 91km north from Sydney
has always been a real holiday place with great surf. My usual spot is the south end of the beach and to be honest I have never made it up the other end. The locals are friendly & chilled. I usually grab a takeaway coffee from the beach kiosk, watch some surf action or try and catch a few waves myself (body surfing that is). 
I slightly cheated on this one and thought it would be nice to have a local tell us more about Avoca.


Sandra from Serenity Suds & Soaks is a new friend of Elkhorn's. Sandra makes beautiful aromatherapy products. We will both be at the Avoca Beachside Markets this Sunday 27th.

Tell us what you love most about living in Avoca?

There are so many things! I love the peace and quiet of where we live- in the treetops, with great birdlife.  Our fabulous, friendly neighbours. Avoca has a real community feel, a stunning beach, lots of trees and natural beauty,  great cafes and a truly relaxed lifestyle.
Its pretty much got it all!!

What's your ideal weekend in Avoca?

An early morning walk on the beach, with my husband and dog, grab the newspaper and then a lazy long breakfast- or better still the Point cafe for brekkie overlooking the beach.
Maybe catch a movie, or a short drive to Bouddi National Park for a bushwalk. A bit more pottering and reading- then a yummy meal out at The Funky Kitchen.. Of course, the fabulous Avoca Beachside Markets are great fun- music, great atmosphere, catch up with people and check out all the creative goodies on offer!

Are there any great local hang outs, that you can let us in on?

The new deli/cafe has really delicious cakes..these gorgeous little lavender cakes, really good coffee- and does a great breakfast.  Cass, at The Screaming Hippie always has interesting and original clothes, beachy, groovy things..
 

What gorgeous goodies from Serenity Suds and Soaks, can we expect to see at the upcoming Avoca Beachside Markets?

I've been busy making lots of olive oil soaps and  scented soy candles. All things aromatherapy basically- including some great essential oil blends, that are only available at the markets.

Elkhorn turns ONE!

Elkhorn is the big ONE today! It's crazy looking back over our blog posts and product shoots and seeing the little roads we have traveled.  Thanks to all our Elkhorn friends, who have believed & supported us and made it so much fun.
We believe all birthdays should be a week long. Elkhorn wouldn't exist without our lovely customers, so we think you deserve a little gift of 15% off our full range, all week. Everyone who makes a purchase this week, will go into a raffle, to be drawn on Sunday at the Avoca Beachside Markets. The prize being some Elkhorn goodies of course! Who wouldn't want to be in on that ;)
Pop into our online store to obtain the 15% off by using the coupon code BIRTHDAY at time of order or email us with any questions at elkhornshop@gmail.com
We are looking forward to the week to come and growing older with you xx